Another great Appleseed event! Sorry I could not be there Sunday to see everyone put all they had learned Saturday to work in the AQT sessions, but I did get to see you all make steady progress throughout the day Saturday. On the way home I realized that I didn't write down everyone's real names or Forum Names, and I may mess up a few of them, so advance apologies if I don't spell names just so or miss by a letter or two but you will know who you are, so here are a few random thoughts from memory:
Alex (TheEagleScout?) was the 7th-stepping champion, recruiting what seemed to be about half of the group of attendees and helping to get them all settled in Saturday morning. I see a funny-colored hat in this fine young man's future and will be honored to work alongside him when that day comes.
Mark was about tied with Alex in the 7th-stepping department, and during intros Saturday morning it seemed that almost everyone had been introduced to the Appleseed project by one of the two of them. Mark and Aiden anchored the center of the line and progress was made throughout the day.
The BSA contingent at the south end of the line showed why we should all do what we can to support scouting whenever possible. These young men were very polite, attentive, followed directions explicitly, not only listened to, but participated in the lunchtime history discussions, learned and progressed throughout the day and are living proof of why there is hope for the future. Trevor, Duggan, and Melad, I truly enjoyed having you one the line and hope to see you again (I know I am missing someone's name-sorry-defective old-guy memory).
Fathers and sons out shooting. What could be better? Peter, kudos for bringing Tyler and Jace out and getting them started on the Rifleman's path. Tyler was a sponge, soaking up every bit of instruction that came his way. I didn't have a camera but would like to have some photos of him in perfect prone position with all the steady-hold factors in play. It was a long, hot day, but I think Tyler would have keep shooting all night if we had lights and enough ammo. And Jace was a trooper as well, still going strong when we were packing at the end of the day. Claire, I wish I had some photos of you sitting in the dirt emulating every move that SavageShootr made while she was doing the demos. No wonder why you progressed so far in a few short hours. Hope you can make it back to another Appleseed as you are destined to become a Rifleman, and SavageShootr will be chasing you around with an orange hat as soon as you do.
Ever meet someone with a big smile on her face all day? Natalie- I wish I could isolate your source of attitude, can it and sell it on ebay. We could all retire and open our own Appleseed shooting range. Put some Tech Sights on that new rifle and head to the Ladyseed event to show them how it is done.
All and all what a great group of Appleseeders! Love to see you all down at Rainbow or Descanso sometime, or at the Escondido range next March for the Appleseed camp-out. No better mini-vacation than a weekend with good folks, some history and heritage topped off with a touch of marksmanship!
Mark
4Posterity
